Statue squabble stays in committee

Representatives of both sides of the Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard statue debate had their say Tuesday, and most likely that is that as far as the Police Jury is concerned.

Jim Butlerjbutler@beauregarddailynews.net

The Ways & Means Committee heard three speakers on the matter — two petitioned for rescinding the jury’s June resolution to move the statue from New Orleans to the Beauregard Parish Courthouse Square; one endorsed the decision to support the relocation.

Then, with no juror offering a motion to rescind, the committee moved onto other matters.

Under the jury’s strong committee system, the matter would not ordinarily be forwarded to the full group for consideration without committee recommendation.

Though any member could move to add it to the agenda at next Tuesday’s jury meeting. It would have to get a second, and then be added by vote. Such a break from tradition is not likely.

At the Ways & Means session, the Beauregard Community Coalition’s Michael Harris asked that the June resolution be revoked, calling it divisive. The Coalition suggests the parish instead consider an illuminated water fountain or reflecting pool on the square.

Harris said the resolution sends the wrong message to America and that taking it back would be a statement “that we (Beauregard Parish) are about progress.”

In June, the jury by an 8-1 vote, supported a group of private, and anonymous, donors’ intention to pay to move the statue here and stand it on the square.

Since then, it has developed and, most likely, the statute will remain in Orleans Parish. The coalition would, nonetheless, prefer the resolution of support be taken off the books.

The Rev. Josh Eubanks, pastor of First Baptist Church of DeRidder, suggested rescinding the resolution and replacing it with one commissioning a statue “promoting harmony and unity.” That project would be privately funded.

On the other side of the issue, Jacob Marceaux of Ragley thanked jurors for the resolution, saying Gen. Beauregard is among his personal heroes.